LGBTQ+ individuals face a wide range of challenges that can impact their health and wellness, and it’s important to remember that there’s no single LGBTQ+ experience. Each group brings unique perspectives, identities and needs.
The “T” in LGBTQ+ stands for transgender, referring to individuals whose gender identity differs from their sex assigned at birth. Transgender is often used as an umbrella term for people whose gender identity differs from the sex they were assigned at birth, including transgender men and women, non-binary, genderfluid and other gender-diverse individuals.
Health care and behavioral health professionals play an important part of providing equitable, person-centered care to transgender and gender non-conforming individuals (TGNC). Creating affirming environments can help improve trust, strengthen patient-provider relationships and reduce barriers to accessing care.
An estimated 1.6 million adults in the U.S. identify as transgender or gender non-conforming. Research from the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) shows that TGNC people are nearly four times more likely to experience a mental health condition than their cisgender peers. They also face increased risk for substance use disorders, anxiety, depression and suicidal ideation.
These disparities stem from stigma, discrimination, rejection and systemic barriers to care rather than from gender identity itself. Experiences such as family rejection, harassment, housing instability, social isolation and fear of discrimination in medical settings can all negatively impact mental and physical health outcomes.
Many TGNC individuals delay or avoid seeking care altogether, including preventive screenings and routine medical visits, because of previous negative experiences or difficulty finding affirming providers. Even small interactions, such as being misgendered or having to repeatedly explain one’s identity, can contribute to feelings of distress or mistrust in health care settings.
Health care organizations can help improve health equity by removing barriers and ensuring TGNC individuals have access to safe, respectful care that aligns with their needs and goals.
Affirming care extends beyond treatment. It creates an environment where patients and clients feel respected, safe and understood.
One of the most meaningful ways providers can support TGNC individuals is by using a person’s correct name and pronouns. While the person’s legal name may be required on most documentation, providers should review intake forms, electronic medical records and office procedures to ensure they are inclusive and allow individuals to accurately identify themselves.
Affirming care also includes:
Behavioral health providers should also recognize that many TGNC individuals may have experienced chronic stress related to discrimination or social rejection. A trauma-informed approach to care can help build trust and improve outcomes.
Allyship and advocacy can make a meaningful difference in the lives of TGNC individuals. It begins with education and self-reflection. Providers do not need to know everything immediately, but they should remain open to learning, listening and growing in cultural responsiveness.
Health care organizations can also support TGNC patients and staff by:
Inclusive practices help create environments where individuals feel safer accessing care and seeking support earlier, which can improve long-term health outcomes.
Providers looking to strengthen their understanding of TGNC health and wellness can benefit from ongoing education and training. Organizations such as Mental Health America and The Human Rights Campaign Foundation offer educational materials, toolkits and guidance on culturally responsive care for the LGBTQ+ community.
As conversations around health equity continue to evolve, providers play an important role in helping ensure TGNC individuals feel seen, respected and supported throughout their care journey. Small changes in communication, policy and practice can have a lasting impact on a person’s sense of safety, dignity and overall wellbeing.
Written by David Akers, M.Ed.
David is the Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion program coordinator for the Illinois Behavioral Health Workforce Center at SIU School of Medicine. They are a counselor by training and are completing their Master’s in Public Health. David’s passions lie in promoting health equity, improving health outcomes for minoritized communities, and ensuring our health care workforce is trained to provide culturally proficient care and is reflective of the communities it serves.
To increase access to effective behavioral health services through coordinated initiatives to recruit, educate, and retain professionals in behavioral health.
